South Asian International Film Festival Spotlight: Siddarth

I’m thrilled to be able to screen selections from the 10th Annual South Asian International Film Festival, which takes place in New York City from December 3rd-8th, 2013.

Siddarth
Directed by Richie Mehta
Screening December 6 at 10pm

This coproduction of India and Canada begins with twelve-year-old Siddarth’s exciting departure for factory work in Delhi to help support his family. After an initial pleasant phone call, Siddarth does not return home as planned for a holiday, and his parents start to worry. Where “Siddarth” comes alive is in the total commitment his father, Mahendra, has to chasing down every lead on where his son might be, adding up each penny he makes to see how it can help him find his son. This is a very human story, and it’s inspiring to see the unquestionable devotion Mahendra demonstrates to his family, more than ready to put his happiness aside for the sake of reuniting with his son. The film expresses a similar attitude, and works well as a result.